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12 Different Ways Americans Pay the Government |
Written by Roni Deutch
Tuesday, 08 April 2008
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As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." We are all used to giving part of our hard-earned money to the government, but you will be surprised at all the different ways we pay to the different levels of our government. 1) Income Taxes Whenever some one things of taxes they usually think of federal income taxes first. That is because between Federal and State taxes some Americans loose as much as 35% of their paychecks to income taxes. 2) Business Taxes Also known as corporate taxes, business taxes are direct taxes levied on the profits of businesses. However, expenses that are deemed necessary to the business can often be deducted to lower the amount of profits subject to taxes. 3) Property Taxes Property taxes are imposed on property by reason of its ownership. They are usually paid on real estate. But can also be paid on personal property, such as boats, automobiles, recreational vehicles, and other business inventories. 4) Payroll Taxes These are the taxes that must be deducted from wages paid to employees, and the employer usually must match the amounts. Some payroll taxes include federal withholdings, disability insurance, Medicare, and other state withholdings. 5) Inheritance Taxes The inheritance tax - also known the "death tax" - is a tax that arises from the death of a taxpayer. It is imposed on the transfer of any property or asset transferred as the result of a death. 6) Capital Gains Taxes In the United States a tax is levied on all income generated from a taxpayer's capital gains, which are profits from the sale of an asset that was purchased at a lower price. The most common capital gains are created from the sale of stocks, bonds, and property. 7) Excise Taxes Any tax that is based on the value of the product being taxed is considered an excise tax. They are based on the quantity of the product. Common examples include those levied on gasoline, cigarettes, taxes, and even those on CD-R's and DVD-R's that are paid to copyright owners. 8) Sales Taxes Consumption taxes - also known as sales taxes - are levied at the point of purchase for specific goods and services. It is usually a percentage determine by the levels of government charging the tax. Due to individual state and local taxes, the exact rate you pay will vary widely by location. 9) Gift Taxes A gift tax is a one that is levied on the transfer of property by one taxpayer to another while receiving either nothing or something with a less than equal value in return. Selling something at less than it's full value or making an interest-free or reduced interest loan, may qualify as making a gift. 10) Retirement Taxes All taxes levied by the government to plan for a taxpayer's retirement could be considered retirement taxes. In the United States we pay into a social security system that provides income to retired workers from the general fund. Our tax is regressive as we all pay the same rate up to a specific cap. Then all income above the cap is not taxes. 11) Tariffs An import or export tariff is one that is paid by the movers of any good through a political border. Typically, it is used to "encourage" local businesses and "discourage" the purchase of foreign goods, by increasing the price for the foreign goods. 12) Tolls Tolls are charged to drivers who cross through designated bridges, tunnels, and even some roads. They usually always paid in fixed amounts each time you drive pass through the restricted area. Tolls are frequently used fund state projects but can also be used for privately funded projects. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
The Tax Lady the Roni">http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/95660-ca-roni-deutch-244870.html">Roni Deutch opened the Roni Deutch Tax Center to fill the need in this country for competent income tax return preparation. Earlier in the month the company launched 12DaysOfTaxes.com to encourage taxpayers across the country to celebrate tax season.
The Tax Lady the Roni">http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/95660-ca-roni-deutch-244870.html">Roni Deutch opened the Roni Deutch Tax Center to fill the need in this country for competent income tax return preparation. Earlier in the month the company launched 12DaysOfTaxes.com to encourage taxpayers across the country to celebrate tax season.
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